2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Gaius' Hospitality Commended

5Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; 6which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: 7because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. 8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth.

The Opposition of Diotrephes

9I wrote unto the church: but Diot´re-phes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not. 10Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

The Good Report concerning Demetrius

11Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. 12Deme´tri-us hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

Final Greetings

13I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: 14but I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face.